Support Dogs Make Life Better For Others

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MARYLAND HEIGHTS, MISSOURI (KTVI)-Everyday life can be difficult and lonely for some people with disabilities. To most people a dog is a pet , but to people with chronic diseases , such as MS, Muscular Dystrophy, Cerebral Palsy or accident victims a dog can be a life saver. Support Dogs, Inc is a national non- for- profit organization based in St. Louis. That offers dignity ,hope and independence by providing highly skilled service dogs free of charge to individuals with disabilities and uniquely trained dogs to serve the community. People with mobility impairments must overcome challenges for even the simplest life daily life task like opening and closing doors, turning on the lights, answer phones carrying bags, help with undressing and physical support.

The service dogs have earned their best friend status because of their ability to understand their owner's emotional wants and needs. The owner knows they will have a companion by their side every step of the way. Through the years, the scope of Support Dogs’ services has evolved to include placing service dogs with children who are mentally and/or physically disabled, Hearing Dogs for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing, and pairing Psychiatric Service dogs with individuals who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Support Dogs continues its proud tradition of placing all of our assistance dogs at no cost to our clients.

Additionally, Support Dogs has a pet visitation program called TOUCH (Therapy of Unique Canine Helpers), in which volunteers and their own dogs are certified to visit various healthcare facilities in the St. Louis Metropolitan Area. In addition to TOUCH, volunteers and their dogs may participate in the Paws For Reading program, where a dog and its handler visit local elementary schools and libraries, using the dog as an incentive for the children to improve their literacy skills.

If you love dogs and appreciate the life-altering contribution service dogs make in people's lives, we have away you can help Support Dogs . For more information , please contact: Support Dogs, Inc at 314-997-2325